Fuloria: Zimbabwe shelter under Mount Masakadza

[Zeeshan]

Bangladesh v Zimbabwe, 2nd Test, Khulna, 3rd day

Zimbabwe shelter under Mount Masakadza

Zimbabwe were in danger of unravelling against spin once again, but Hamilton Masakadza proved immovable in Khulna
Devashish Fuloria in Khulna
November 5, 2014

Hamilton Masakadza made his first Test century outside Zimbabwe © AFP Enlarge

When Hamilton Masakadza stood at the crease against the spinners, there were times when the wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim was completely eclipsed. Jubair Hossain could have stood there too and it would have still been impossible to spot the two Bangladesh players behind Masakadza's broad frame. He has that kind of physical presence in the middle. Watching him tap his bat on the crease can be daunting for a bowler because Masakadza seems like a giant rock. Immovable.
A large frame without lots of runs means little, though, and Masakadza's numbers in Test cricket are ordinary enough that you won't be surprised if teams do not make special plans to bowl at him. Bowl in the 'right areas', as they say, and wait for the batsman to make a mistake. Masakadza probably falls into that category, as do most Zimbabwe players.
But ask any Zimbabwean the value of those 1528 runs and 28 Tests worth of experience, and they might say those figures are gold. Over the past decade, Zimbabwe have seen a once thriving cricket culture collapse due to reasons ranging from questionable administrative policies to talent drain. Masakadza is one of few who have stayed firm through the turmoil. A survivor. At the age of 31, he is also the team's veteran and their leading Test run-scorer, among the current crop.
Masakadza's fighting spirit has perhaps rubbed off on his team-mates because six innings into this series, one thing Zimbabwe have not done is give up. They have been obdurate, like they were against Pakistan last year, or against Australia a couple of months ago. Playing with limited ability, Zimbabwe have done their best to stay in line and not be extravagant. Their bowlers restricted the damage in Khulna by limiting Bangladesh to 433 and on the third day their batsmen, led by Masakadza, put up a fight.



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http://www.espncricinfo.com/banglade...ry/796617.html

[NoName]

All hail Shamsur...